System and apparatus for directing a survey of a well

ABSTRACT

An apparatus receives survey instructions from a directed unit and measurement data from a measurement unit. The apparatus directs a survey workflow comprising a plurality of stages, determines the completion of at least one of the stages based upon at least one of the measurement data and the survey instructions, provides workflow information, selects survey data from the measurement data, and stores the survey data in a memory. The apparatus sends the workflow information to the directed unit.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to a system and apparatus for directing a survey of a well at a drill-site.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In directional drilling operations a well plan identifies a series of target points through which the path of well is desired to follow. The path of the well is directed to follow the well plan by controlling the advancement of a drill string into the ground. The drill string comprises a bottom hole assembly (“BHA”) positioned at the bottom most point of the drill string, and a series of drill pipes (also known as “singles”) that are incrementally attached to the upper tail end of the drill string as the drill string advances into the ground. The BHA typically comprises a drill bit, a mud motor, a bent sub, a measurement while drilling (“MWD”) tool, and other components that are well known in the art. The drill bit is driven by pressurized drilling fluid that is pumped from the surface by a mud pump down the well bore to drive the mud motor and drill bit.

During the drilling operation, the path of well is monitored by interpolating the results of periodic surveys taken at various points. Each survey identifies the current depth, inclination and azimuth of the BHA. Typically, MWD tools are used to measure the inclination and azimuth of the BHA while electronic data recording (EDR) systems are used to acquire the depth of the BHA.

For MWD tools that use mud pulse telemetry, a driller must execute a process with the mud pumps to trigger the tool to take a survey and transmit the survey information to the surface. The process involves turning the pumps off for a certain amount of time which directs the MWD tool to acquire survey information and then turning the pumps on again which directs the MWD tool to transmit the survey information to the surface of the well.

Once the survey information is received by the surface equipment, the information is recorded by hand by a driller or MWD technician. The survey information is input into spreadsheets, well plotting and planning software programs, paper tracking records, and/or an electronic drilling recording system.

During the drilling process, erroneous survey information may be inadvertently acquired as a result of the sequencing of the mud pumps. In addition, survey information may be corrupted due to motion of the drill bit or drill string during the acquisition of the survey information. These types of erroneous survey information are typically identified and rejected by a driller or MWD so that erroneous survey data is not used for path determination of the well bore.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides, in part, a system and apparatus for directing a survey of a well at a drill-site.

In one its aspects, the present invention provides a system for directing a survey of a well, comprising:

-   -   (a) a directed unit communicatively coupled with a survey unit,         the directed unit configured to receive survey instructions from         a driller, send the survey instructions to the survey unit,         receive workflow information from the survey unit, and present         the workflow information to the driller;     -   (b) a measurement unit communicatively coupled with the survey         unit, the measurement unit configured to acquire measurement         data and send the measurement data to the survey unit;     -   (c) the survey unit communicatively coupled with the directed         unit and the measurement unit, the survey unit comprising:         -   (i) a receiver configured to receive the survey instructions             from the directed unit and the measurement data from the             measurement unit;         -   (ii) a processor communicatively coupled with the receiver;         -   (iii) a memory communicatively coupled with the processor,             the memory having stored thereon:             -   (1) a data structure for storing survey data;             -   (2) statements and instructions for execution by the                 processor to: direct a survey workflow comprising a                 plurality of stages; determine the completion of at                 least one of the stages based upon at least one of the                 measurement data and the survey instructions; provide                 workflow information; select survey data from the                 measurement data; and store the survey data in the data                 structure; and         -   (iv) a transmitter communicatively coupled with the             processor, the transmitter configured to send the workflow             information to the directed unit.

The directed unit may be further configured to received the survey data from the survey unit and present the survey data to the driller; and the transmitter of the survey unit may be further configured to send the survey data to the directed unit.

The system may further comprise a monitoring unit communicatively coupled with the survey unit, the monitoring unit configured to receive survey data and workflow information from the survey unit, and present received survey data and workflow information to a user; and the transmitter of the survey unit may be further configured to send the survey data and the workflow information to the monitoring unit.

The measurement unit may comprise:

-   -   (a) a first measurement device configured to acquire measurement         data comprising the inclination and azimuth of a bottom hole         assembly of a drill string; and     -   (b) a second measurement device configured to acquire         measurement data comprising the depth and rotary motion of a         drill bit of the drill string and the status of a mud pump for         providing drilling fluid to drive the drill bit.

The first measurement device may be a measurement while drilling system. The second measurement device may be an electronic data recording system.

The survey workflow may comprise the following stages:

-   -   (a) verifying that the depth of the drill bit measured by the         second measurement device matches the depth of the drill bit         recorded by the driller;     -   (b) turning on the mud pump;     -   (c) pulling the drill bit off of the bottom of the well;     -   (d) waiting for a stabilization period;     -   (e) turning the mud pump off;     -   (f) waiting for a down period;     -   (g) turning on the mud pump;     -   (h) waiting for a synchronization period; and     -   (i) acquiring survey data.

In another one its aspects, the present invention provides an apparatus for directing a survey of a well, comprising:

-   -   (a) a receiver configured to receive survey instructions from a         directed unit and measurement data from a measurement unit;     -   (b) a processor communicatively coupled with the receiver;     -   (c) a memory communicatively coupled with the processor, the         memory having stored thereon:         -   (i) a data structure for storing survey data; and         -   (ii) statements and instructions for execution by the             processor to: direct a survey workflow comprising a             plurality of stages; determine the completion of at least             one of the stages based upon at least one of the measurement             data and the survey instructions; provide workflow             information; select survey data from the measurement data;             and store the survey data in the data structure; and     -   (d) a transmitter communicatively coupled with the processor,         the transmitter configured to send the workflow information to         the directed unit.

The transmitter may be further configured to send the survey data to the directed unit. The transmitter may be further configured to send the survey data and the workflow information to a monitoring unit.

The measurement data may comprise the inclination and azimuth of a bottom hole assembly of a drill string, the depth and rotary motion of a drill bit of the drill string, and the status of a mud pump for providing drilling fluid to drive the drill bit.

The survey workflow may comprise the following stages:

-   -   (a) verifying that the depth of the drill bit measured by the         measurement unit matches the depth of the drill bit recorded by         a driller;     -   (b) turning on the mud pump;     -   (c) pulling the drill bit off of the bottom of the well;     -   (d) waiting for a stabilization period;     -   (e) turning the mud pump off;     -   (f) waiting for a down period;     -   (g) turning on the mud pump;     -   (h) waiting for a synchronization period; and     -   (i) acquiring survey data.

-   2. In another one its aspects, the present invention provides a     computer readable medium having statements and instructions stored     thereon for execution by an apparatus, the apparatus comprising:     -   (a) a receiver configured to receive survey instructions from a         directed unit and measurement data from a measurement unit;     -   (b) a processor communicatively coupled with the receiver;     -   (c) a memory communicatively coupled with the processor, the         memory having stored thereon a data structure for storing survey         data; and     -   (d) a transmitter communicatively coupled with the processor,         the transmitter configured to send the workflow information to         the directed unit;     -   the statements and instructions for execution by the processor         to: direct a survey workflow comprising a plurality of stages;         determine the completion of at least one of the stages based         upon at least one of the measurement data and the survey         instructions; provide workflow information; select survey data         from the measurement data; and store the survey data in the data         structure.

The transmitter may be further configured to send the survey data to the directed unit.

The transmitter may be further configured to send the survey data and the workflow information to a monitoring unit.

The measurement data may comprise the inclination and azimuth of a bottom hole assembly of a drill string, the depth and rotary motion of a drill bit of the drill string, and the status of a mud pump for providing drilling fluid to drive the drill bit.

The survey workflow may comprise the following stages:

-   -   (a) verifying that the depth of the drill bit measured by the         measurement unit matches the depth of the drill bit recorded by         a driller;     -   (b) turning on the mud pump;     -   (c) pulling the drill bit off of the bottom of the well;     -   (d) waiting for a stabilization period;     -   (e) turning the mud pump off;     -   (f) waiting for a down period;     -   (g) turning on the mud pump;     -   (h) waiting for a synchronization period; and     -   (i) acquiring survey data.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a system diagram of a system for directing a survey of a well according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of a survey workflow executed by an apparatus for directing a survey of a well according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of the Verify Bit Depth stage of the survey workflow shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of the First Turn On Pumps stage of the survey workflow shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of the Pull Off Bottom stage of the survey workflow shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of the Wait For Stabilization stage of the survey workflow shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram of the Turn Pumps Off stage of the survey workflow shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 8 is a flow diagram of the Wait For Pumps Down stage of the survey workflow shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 9 is a flow diagram of the Second Turn On Pumps stage of the survey workflow shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 10 is a flow diagram of the Wait For Sync Delay stage of the survey workflow shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 11 is a flow diagram of the Take Survey stage of the survey workflow shown in FIG. 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The embodiments described herein relate to a system and apparatus for directing a survey of a directional well at a drill-site. Particularly, the embodiments relate to a system and apparatus for directing a survey workflow, acquiring survey data, communicating survey data and workflow information to interested parties, and logging survey data. While the embodiments described herein relate to directional drilling applications, it is to be understood that the scope of the present invention is not limited to directional drilling applications and is equally applicable to other drilling applications.

As used herein, “survey data” comprises depth, inclination and azimuth information of the BHA at a given point during the drilling of a well; and “workflow information” comprises the status of a survey workflow and instructions directing the driller to conduct a survey according to the survey workflow. In addition, as used herein, “communicatively coupled” refers to communication between two devices and/or components, directly or through one or more intermediate devices and/or components, including without limitation, communication through one or more systems, networks, buffers, databases, or media.

Further, throughout the specification, where a “computer” is referenced it may include one or more computers located at one more locations communicating through one or more networks. Where a “processor” is referenced it may include one or more processors located at one more locations communicating through one or more networks, including without limitation, application specific circuits, programmable logic controllers, field programmable gate arrays, microcontrollers, microprocessors, virtual machines, electronic circuits and other processing devices known in the art. Where a “computer readable medium” or “memory” is referenced it may include one or more computer readable mediums located at one more locations communicating through one or more networks, including without limitation, random access memory, flash memory, hard disc drives, read-write optical drives and optical drive media, flash drives, and other computer readable storage media known in the art. Where a “network” is referenced it may include one or more networks, including without limitation, local area networks, wide area networks, intranets, the Internet, and other networks known in the art.

Referring to FIG. 1, an embodiment of a system for directing a survey of a directional well at a drill-site is shown generally as item 1 and is comprised of the following major components: a directed unit 10, a survey unit 20, a measurement unit 30, a monitoring unit 40 and a network 50. Alternatively, the system 1 may comprise a plurality of monitoring units each having the functionality of monitoring unit 40 as described herein.

The Directed Unit

The directed unit 10 is located at the surface of the drill-site to present information to the driller and receive information from the driller. Specifically, the direct unit 10 functions to: (a) receive survey instructions from a driller and survey data and workflow information from the survey unit 20, (b) send survey instructions to the survey unit 20, and (c) present survey data and workflow information to the driller.

The directed unit 10 is a standalone unit comprised of a general-purpose computer. Alternatively, the directed unit 10 may be a standalone unit or integrated with other drilling systems.

The directed unit 10 comprises: an input device 11, a display 12, a receiver 13, a transmitter 14, a memory 15, and a processor 16. The input device 11 receives survey instructions input by the driller. The survey instructions may be issued to commence a survey, cancel a survey, or provide feedback required as part of the survey workflow. Alternatively, other survey instructions may be issued by the driller to provide other instructions or information that is relevant to the drilling operation. The input device 11 is comprised of a keyboard, mouse and graphical display. Alternatively, the input device 11 may be comprised of any electronic device or combination of electronic devices known in the art for receiving information from a user.

The receiver 13 receives survey data and workflow information sent by the survey unit 20 over the network 50 to the directed unit 10. The receiver 13 comprises an Ethernet receiver that is communicatively coupled with the survey unit 20 over the network 50. Alternatively, the receiver 13 may be comprised of other communications hardware employing a variety of communications protocols as are well known in the art.

The display 12 is a computer monitor or other type of graphical electronic display that presents survey data and workflow information to the driller that is received from the survey unit 20 by the receiver 13.

The transmitter 14 transmits survey instructions to the survey unit 20. The transmitter 14 comprises an Ethernet transmitter that is communicatively coupled with the survey unit 20 over the network 50. Alternatively, the transmitter 14 may comprise other communications hardware employing a variety of communications protocols as are well known in the art.

The memory 15 comprises a computer readable medium having statements and instructions stored thereon that when executed by the processor 16 provide the functionality of the directed unit 10 as described below.

The processor 16 is communicatively coupled to the display 12, the receiver 13, the transmitter 14, and the memory 15. The processor 16 executes the statements and instructions stored in the memory 15 to: (a) receive survey instructions from a driller and survey data and workflow information from the survey unit 20, (b) send survey instructions to the survey unit 20, and (c) present survey data and workflow information to the driller. Specifically, the processor 16 unpackages each communication received from the survey unit 20 by the receiver 13 from its packaged form, and directs the display 12 to present survey data and workflow information to the driller. In the present embodiment, each communication is unpackaged from its packaged form conforming to the applicable communication protocols, decompressed using a decompression utility such as GZIP™, and converted from an Extensible Markup Language (“XML”) data object into the unpackaged survey data and workflow information.

The processor 16 also packages each survey instruction received by the input device 11 from the driller into a form suitable for transmission over the network 50, and directs the transmitter 12 to transmit the packaged survey instruction to the survey unit 20. In the present embodiment, each survey instruction is converted into a XML data object, compressed using a compression utility such as GZIP™, and packaged to conform to the applicable communication protocols.

The Monitoring Unit

The monitoring unit 40 is located remote to the drill-site permitting users to monitor surveys conducted at the drill site. Alternatively, the monitoring unit 40 may be located at the drill-site if desired. The monitoring unit 40 functions to receive survey data and workflow information from the survey unit 20 and present survey data and workflow information to a user.

The monitoring unit 40 is a standalone unit comprised of a general-purpose computer. Alternatively, the monitoring unit 40 may be integrated with other drilling systems.

The monitoring unit 40 comprises a display 42, a receiver 43, a memory 45, and a processor 46. The receiver 43 receives survey data and workflow information sent by the survey unit 20 over the network 50 to the monitoring unit 40. The receiver 43 comprises an Ethernet receiver that is communicatively coupled with the survey unit 20 over the network 50. Alternatively, the receiver 43 may be comprised of other communication hardware employing a variety of communications protocols as are well known in the art.

The display 42 is a computer monitor or other type of graphical electronic display that presents survey data and workflow information to the user that is received from the survey unit 20 by the receiver 43.

The memory 45 comprises a computer readable medium having statements and instructions stored thereon that when executed by the processor 46 provide the functionality of the monitoring unit 40 as described below.

The processor 46 is communicatively coupled to the display 42, the receiver 43, and the memory 45. The processor 46 executes the statements and instructions stored in the memory 45 to receive survey data and workflow information from the survey unit 20 and present survey data and workflow information to a user. Specifically, the processor 46 unpackages each communication received from the survey unit 20 by the receiver 43 from its packaged form, and directs the display 42 to present survey data and workflow information to the user. In the present embodiment, each communication is unpackaged from its packaged form conforming to the applicable communication protocols, decompressed using a decompression utility such as GZIP™, and converted from an Extensible Markup Language (“XML”) data object into the unpackaged survey data or workflow information.

The Measurement Unit

The measurement unit 30 is located at the drill-site and functions to acquire measurement data pertaining to the drill bit, drill string and well bore. The measurement data comprises data pertaining to: the location, orientation, and motion of the drill bit and drill string; the environment in the well bore; the status of the mud pumps; and the status of the measurement unit 30. Alternatively, the measurement data may comprise other data pertaining to the drill bit, drill string, drilling equipment and measurement equipment as known in the art.

The measurement unit 30 comprises a first measurement device configured to acquire measurement data comprising the inclination and azimuth of the bottom hole assembly of the drill string, and a second measurement device configured to acquire measurement data comprising the depth and rotary motion of the drill bit of the drill string.

In the present embodiment, the first measurement device is a measurement while drilling (MWD) system 32 and the second measurement device is an electronic data recording (EDR) system 34. The MWD system 32 acquires measurement data comprising the inclination and azimuth of the BHA. The EDR system 34 acquires measurement data comprising the rotary motion of the BHA, the depth of the drill bit, and the status of the mud pumps. The MWD system 32 comprises a MWD tool located in the BHA of the drill string and a MWD decoder located at the surface of the well. The MWD system 32 may be, for example, a General Electric Tensor MWD System. The MWD tool communicates measurement data to the MWD decoder using mud-pulse telemetry. The EDR system 34 comprises general-purpose computer in communicatively coupled with a series of sensors for detecting the rotary motion of the BHA and the depth of the drill bit. The EDR system 34 may be, for example, the Pason Systems Corp. Electronic Drilling Recorder. The MWD decoder of the MWD system 32 and the EDR 34 communicate their respective measurement data to the survey unit 20 over network 50.

The Survey Unit

The survey unit 20 is located at the drill-site. Alternatively, the survey unit 20 may be located remote to the drill-site if desired. The survey unit 20 functions to (a) receive survey instructions from the directed unit 10 and measurement data from the measurement unit 30, (b) direct a survey workflow, (c) select survey data from the measurement data, (d) send survey data and workflow information to the directed unit 10 and the monitoring unit 40, and (e) store survey data.

The survey unit 20 is a standalone unit comprised of a general-purpose computer. Alternatively, the survey unit 20 may be integrated with other drilling equipment.

The survey unit 20 comprises: a receiver 21, a transmitter 22, a processor 23 and a memory 24. The receiver 21 receives and unpackages survey instructions sent by the directed unit 10 and measurement data sent by the measurement unit 30. The receiver 21 comprises an Ethernet receiver that is communicatively coupled with the directed unit 10 and the measurement unit 30 over the network 50. Alternatively, the receiver 21 may be comprised of other communications hardware employing a variety of communications protocols as are well known in the art. In the present embodiment, each communication is unpackaged from its packaged form conforming to the applicable communication protocols, decompressed using a decompression utility such as GZIP™, and converted from an Extensible Markup Language (“XML”) data object into the unpackaged survey instructions and measurement data.

The memory 24 comprises a computer readable medium having statements and instructions stored thereon that when executed by the processor 23 function to direct a survey workflow as further described below. In addition, the memory 24 comprises a data structure stored thereon for storing survey data. In the present embodiment, the memory is a hard-drive integrated with the remainder of the survey unit 20 and the data structure is a database configured to store survey data. Alternatively, the memory 24 may be any form of data storage medium and may be integrated with the remainder of the survey unit 20 or located remote to the remainder of survey unit 20 and communicatively coupled with the remainder of the survey unit 20 through the network 50.

The processor 23 is communicatively coupled to the receiver 21, the memory 24, and the transmitter 22. The processor 23 executes the statements and instructions stored in the memory 24 to standardize the survey workflow, ensure that the survey workflow is followed correctly, and eliminate errors during the taking of a survey. Specifically, the processor 23 executes the statements and instructions stored in the memory 24 to: (a) direct the survey workflow based on measurement data received from the measurement unit 30 and survey instructions received from the directed unit 10, (b) generate workflow information, (c) selects survey data from the measurement data, and (d) store survey data in the memory 24.

Referring to FIG. 2, the processor 23 advances a survey work flow 100 through a number of stages. Specifically, upon commencement of a survey, the survey workflow 100 advances through the following sequential stages: 1) Verify Bit Depth 102, 2) First Turn On Pumps 104, 3) Pull Off Bottom 106, 4) Wait For Stabilization 108, 5) Turn Pumps Off 110, 6) Wait For Pumps Down 112, 7) Second Turn On Pumps 114, 8) Wait For Sync Delay 116, and 9) Take Survey 118. Alternatively, one or more stages may be removed and/or one or more additional stages may be added as would be apparent to one skilled in the art.

The processor 23 determines the completion of each stage by evaluating predetermined criteria associated with each stage. The processor 23 will not advance the survey workflow 100 from a current stage until the criteria associated with the stage has been satisfied, thereby ensuring that each survey is conducted in a consistent and correct manner. The processor 23 may evaluate the criteria of a stage based upon one or more of received measurement data and received survey instructions. Alternatively, the processor 23 may evaluate the criteria of a stage independent of received measurement data from the measurement unit 30 and received survey instructions from the directed unit 10.

The survey workflow 100 is initiated upon receipt of a survey instruction from the directed unit 10 requesting the commencement of the survey. At each stage in the survey workflow 100, workflow information is sent to the directed unit 10 and monitoring unit 40 by the transmitter 22 directing a driller to conduct the survey according to the survey workflow 100. At any time during the survey the processor 23 will cancel the survey upon the receipt of a survey instruction from the directed unit 10 requesting the cancellation of the survey.

Referring to FIG. 3, the Verify Bit Depth stage 102 comprises steps 102A to 102C. In step 102A, the processor 23 generates workflow information that is sent to the directed unit 10 to inform the driller that the Verify Bit Depth stage 102 has commenced and requests the driller to confirm that the depth of the drill bit recorded by the driller (“recorded depth”) matches the depth of the drill bit measured by the measurement unit 30 (“measured depth”). During the drilling operation, the driller maintains a pipe tally containing the length of each pipe in the drill string that is in the well bore as well as the length of the BHA. The driller calculates the recorded depth of the drill bit based upon the information in the pipe tally and compares the recorded depth to the measured depth. If the measured depth and recorded depth correspond, the driller inputs a survey instruction to the directed unit 10, which is sent to the survey unit 20, confirming that the measured depth corresponds with the recorded depth. If the measured depth and recorded depth do not correspond, the driller reconfigures the EDR system 34 of the measurement unit 30 such that the measured depth is updated to the recorded depth. The measurement unit 30 then transmits the recorded depth to the survey unit 20 to update the measured depth.

In step 102B, the processor 23 determines if the survey unit 20 has received a survey instruction from the directed unit 10 confirming that the measured depth corresponds with the recorded depth. If such survey instruction has been received, the survey workflow 100 advances to the First Turn On Pumps stage 104, otherwise, the survey workflow 100 proceeds to step 102C. In step 102C, the processor 23 determines if the measured depth has been updated by the EDR system 34. If the measured depth has not been updated, the processor 23 proceeds to step 102B. If the measured depth has been updated, the processor 23 proceeds to step 102A where workflow information is sent to the directed unit 10 to request the driller to confirm that the updated measured depth corresponds to the recorded depth. The processor 23 then proceeds to step 102B.

Referring to FIG. 4, the First Turn On Pumps stage 104 comprises steps 104A to 104B. In step 104A, the processor 23 generates workflow information that is sent to the directed unit 10 and monitoring unit 40 to inform the driller that the First Turn On Pumps stage 104 has commenced and requests the driller to turn the mud pumps on. The processor 23 then proceeds to step 104B, where the processor 23 determines if measurement data has been received by the survey unit 20 from the measurement unit 30 confirming that the pumps have been turned on. If such measurement data has been received, the processor 23 advances to the Pull Off Bottom stage 106, otherwise, the processor 23 proceeds to step 104B.

Referring to FIG. 5, the Pull Off Bottom stage 106 comprises steps 106A to 106G. In step 106A, the processor 23 generates workflow information that is sent to the directed unit 10 and monitoring unit 40 to inform the driller that the Pull Off Bottom stage 106 has commenced and requests the driller to move the drill bit off of the bottom of the well by a minimum off bottom threshold. The processor 23 then proceeds to step 106B where the processor 23 determines if the current measured depth of the drill bit, obtained by the EDR system 34 and sent as measurement data from the measurement unit 30 to the survey unit 20, is greater than the measured depth confirmed in the Verify Bit Depth stage 102 (i.e. the depth of the bottom of the well) by the minimum off bottom threshold. If the drill bit is off of the bottom of the well by the minimum bottom threshold, the processor 23 proceeds to step 106E, otherwise, the processor 23 proceeds to step 106C. In the present embodiment, the minimum off bottom threshold is 0.5 meters. Alternatively, the minimum off bottom threshold may be any other desired distance.

In step 106C, the processor 23 determines if there has been any change in the depth of the drill bit since the depth of the drill bit was last sent to the directed unit 10 and monitoring unit 40. If the depth of the drill bit has changed, the processor 23 proceeds to step 106D where the processor 23 generates workflow information that is sent to the directed unit 10 and monitoring unit 40 to inform the driller as to the change in the depth of the drill bit. If the depth of the drill bit has not changed, the processor 23 proceeds to step 106B.

In step 106E, the processor 23 starts a timer to measure the amount of time that the drill bit is off the bottom of the well by the minimum off bottom threshold without any motion of the drill bit. The processor 23 then proceeds to step 106F where the processor 23 determines if the timer has reached a minimum off bottom period. If the timer has reached the minimum off bottom period, the processor 23 records the current measured depth of the drill bit received from the measured unit 30 and advances to the Wait For Stabilization stage 108. If the timer has not reached the minimum off bottom period, the processor 23 proceeds to step 106G where the processor 23 determines if there has been any change in the depth of the drill bit since the depth of the drill bit was last sent to the directed unit 10 and monitoring unit 40. If the depth of the drill bit has changed, the processor 23 proceeds to step 106D. If the depth of the drill bit has not changed, the processor 23 proceeds to step 106F. In the present embodiment, the minimum off bottom period is 10 seconds. Alternatively, the minimum off bottom period may be any other desired period.

In each stage following the Pull Off Bottom stage 106 up to the Wait For Sync Delay stage 116, the processor 23 will respond to any motion of the drill bit above a minimum threshold by generating workflow information informing the driller that an error has occurred and cancelling the current survey. The processor 23 monitors translation and rotational motion of the drill bit by monitoring the measurement data from the measured unit 30. In the present embodiment, the minimum threshold for translation motion is ±0.2 meters and the minimum threshold for rotational motion is ±5 RPM. Alternatively, the minimum thresholds for translational and rotary motion may be any desired values.

Referring to FIG. 6, the Wait For Stabilization stage 108 comprises steps 108A to 108B. In step 108A, the processor 23 generates workflow information that is sent to the directed unit 10 and monitoring unit 40 to inform the driller that the Wait For Stabilization stage 108 has commenced. The processor 23 then proceeds to step 108B where the processor 23 waits a configurable stabilization period to permit the pumps to stabilize. In the present embodiment, the stabilization period is 60 seconds. Alternatively, the stabilization period may be any desired period.

Throughout this stage the processor 23 generates workflow information providing the remaining time in the stabilization period. This information is sent to the directed unit 10 and monitoring unit 40 and provides the driller with a countdown for the stabilization period. In addition, if at any point during this stage measurement data is received by the survey unit 20 from the measurement unit 30 indicating that the mud pumps have been turned off, the processor 23 terminates the survey workflow 100 and generates workflow information that is sent to the directed unit 10 and monitoring unit 40 to inform the driller that an error has occurred and that the survey workflow 100 has been terminated. After the completion of the stabilization period, the processor 23 advances to the Turn Pumps Off stage 110.

Referring to FIG. 7, the Turn Pumps Off stage 110 comprises steps 110A to 110B. In step 110A, the processor 23 generates workflow information that is sent to the directed unit 10 and monitoring unit 40 to inform the driller that the Turn Off Pumps stage 110 has commenced and requests the driller to turn the mud pumps off. The processor 23 then proceeds to step 110B where the processor 23 waits until measurement data is received from the measurement unit 30 that confirms that the mud pumps have been turned off. Once confirmation has been received, the processor 23 advances to the Wait For Pumps Down stage 112.

Referring to FIG. 8, the Wait For Pumps Down stage 112 comprises steps 112A to 112B. In step 112A, the processor 23 generates workflow information that is sent to the directed unit 10 and monitoring unit 40 to inform the driller that the Wait For Pumps Down stage 112 has commenced. The processor 23 then proceeds to step 112B where the processor 23 waits for a configurable down period that permits the MWD system 32 of measurement unit 30 to acquire measurement data comprising the inclination and azimuth of the BHA. This measured data is stored in the MWD tool of the MWD system 32. In the present embodiment, the down period is 60 seconds. Alternatively, the down period may be any desired period.

Throughout this stage the processor 23 generates workflow information providing the remaining time in the down period. This information is sent to the directed unit 10 and monitoring unit 40 and provides the driller with a countdown for the down period. In addition, if at any point during this stage measurement data is received by the survey unit 20 from the measurement unit 30 indicating that the mud pumps have been turned on, the processor 23 terminates the survey workflow 100 and generates workflow information that is sent to the directed unit 10 and monitoring unit 40 to inform the driller that an error has occurred and that the survey workflow 100 has been terminated. After the completion of the down period, the processor 23 advances to the Second Turn On Pumps stage 114.

Referring to FIG. 9, the Second Turn On Pumps stage 114 comprises steps 114A to 114B. In step 114B, the processor 23 generates workflow information that is sent to the directed unit 10 and monitoring unit 40 to inform the driller that the Second Turn On Pumps stage 114 has commenced and requests the driller to turn the mud pumps on. The processor 23 then proceeds to step 114B where the processor 23 waits until measurement data is received from the measurement unit 30 that confirms that the mud pumps have been turned on. Once confirmation has been received, the processor 23 advances to the Wait For Sync Delay stage 116.

Referring to FIG. 10, the Wait For Sync Delay stage 116 comprises steps 116A to 116B. In step 116A, the processor 23 generates workflow information that is sent to the directed unit 10 and monitoring unit 40 to inform the driller that the Wait For Sync Delay stage 116 has commenced. The processor 23 then proceeds to step 116B where the processor 23 monitors the measurement data from the measurement unit 30 until the status of the decoder of the MWD system 32 is updated to indicate that MWD tool is waiting for a synchronization period after which it will send measurement data to the MWD decoder. In the present embodiment, this status is known as “sync delay”. When the mud pumps are off, the status of the MWD system 32 will be set to “pumps off”. Once the mud pumps have been turned on, the MWD system 32 transitions its status to “sync delay” and waits a predetermined synchronization period before sending measurement data from the MWD tool to the MWD decoder. By waiting this synchronization period, the mud and pressure system in the well bore is permitted to stabilize thus allowing for more reliable detection of measurement data by the MWD decoder. After the sync delay is detected, the processor 23 advances to the Take Survey stage 118.

Referring to FIG. 11, the Take Survey stage 118 comprises steps 118A to 118C. In step 118A, the processor 23 generates workflow information that is sent to the directed unit 10 and monitoring unit 40 to inform the driller that the Take Survey stage 118 has commenced. The processor 23 then proceeds to step 118B where the processor 23 monitors the measurement data from the measurement unit 30 until the azimuth and inclination data sent from the MWD tool of the MWD system 32 is decoded by the decoder of the MWD system 32 and sent to the survey unit 20. The processor 23 then proceeds to step 118C where the processor 23 selects the survey data as the azimuth and inclination data sent from the measured unit 30 and the current depth data acquired in the Pull Off Bottom stage 106 of the survey workflow 100 adjusted by the known distance between the drill bit and the sensors in the MWD tool of the MWD System 32. The processor 23 then stores the survey data to the memory 24 and completes the survey workflow 100. The processor 23 may then be instructed by the directed unit 10 to conduct subsequent surveys in accordance with the survey workflow 100 described above.

The transmitter 22 is communicatively coupled to the processor 23, the directed unit 10 and the monitoring unit 40. The processor 23 packages survey data and workflow information and transmits the packaged survey data and workflow information to the directed unit 10 and the monitoring unit 40. The transmitter 22 comprises an Ethernet transmitter that is communicatively coupled with the directed unit 10 and the monitoring unit 40 over the network 50. Alternatively, the transmitter 22 may comprise other communications hardware employing a variety of communications protocols as are well known in the art. The survey data and workflow information is packaged into a form suitable for transmission over the network 50. In the present embodiment, survey data and workflow information is converted into a XML data object, compressed using a compression utility such as GZIP™, and packaged to conform to the applicable communication protocols.

The Network

The network 50 comprises a Local Area Network (“LAN”) at the drill-site and a satellite connection for off-site communications. At the drill-site, the survey unit 20 is communicatively coupled with the directed unit 10 and the measurement unit 30 over an Ethernet-based Local Area Network (LAN). The monitoring unit 40 is located remote to the drill-site and is communicatively coupled with the survey unit 20 located at the drill-site through a satellite connection. Alternatively, the survey unit 20, directed unit 10, measurement unit 30 and monitoring unit 40 may be communicatively coupled through any combination of networks utilizing any combination of communication mediums and protocols know in the art.

System Operation

In operation, the driller commences a survey by inputting a survey instruction to the input device 11 of the directed unit 10 requesting commencement of the survey. The processor 16 then packages the survey instruction and the transmitter 14 sends the survey instruction to the survey unit 20.

The receiver 21 of the survey unit 20 receives the packaged survey instruction. The processor 23 then unpackages the survey instruction and commences the survey workflow 100 as described above. Throughout the survey workflow 100, the processor 23 monitors measurement data received from the measurement unit 30 and survey instructions received from the directed unit 10, as well as, generates workflow information directed to the directed unit 10 and monitoring unit 40.

Workflow information generated by the processor 23 is packaged and sent to the directed unit 10 and monitoring unit 40 by the transmitter 22 of the survey unit 20. The receiver 13 of the directed unit 10 receives the packaged workflow information, the processor 16 unpackages the workflow information, and the display 12 presents the workflow information to the driller. Similarly, the receiver 43 of the monitoring unit 40 receives the workflow information, the processor 46 unpackages the workflow information, and the display 42 presents the workflow information to the user.

At the completion of the survey workflow 100, the processor 23 of the survey unit 20 selects the survey data, stores the survey data in the memory 24, and packages the survey data. The transmitter 20 then sends the survey data to the directed unit 10 and monitoring unit 40. The receiver 13 of the directed unit 10 receives the packaged survey data, the processor 16 unpackages the packaged survey data, and the display 12 presents the survey data to the driller. Similarly, the receiver 43 of the monitoring unit 40 receives the survey data, the processor 46 unpackages the survey data, and the display 42 presents the survey data to the user.

While a particular embodiment of the present invention has been described in the foregoing, it is to be understood that other embodiments are possible within the scope of the invention and are intended to be included herein. It will be clear to any person skilled in the art that modifications of and adjustments to this invention, not shown, are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention as demonstrated through the exemplary embodiment. 

1. A system for directing a survey of a well, comprising: (a) a directed unit communicatively coupled with a survey unit, the directed unit configured to receive survey instructions from a driller, send the survey instructions to the survey unit, receive workflow information from the survey unit, and present the workflow information to the driller; (b) a measurement unit communicatively coupled with the survey unit, the measurement unit configured to acquire measurement data and send the measurement data to the survey unit; (c) the survey unit communicatively coupled with the directed unit and the measurement unit, the survey unit comprising: (i) a receiver configured to receive the survey instructions from the directed unit and the measurement data from the measurement unit; (ii) a processor communicatively coupled with the receiver; (iii) a memory communicatively coupled with the processor, the memory having stored thereon: (1) a data structure for storing survey data; (2) statements and instructions for execution by the processor to: direct a survey workflow comprising a plurality of stages; determine the completion of at least one of the stages based upon at least one of the measurement data and the survey instructions; provide workflow information; select survey data from the measurement data; and store the survey data in the data structure; and (iv) a transmitter communicatively coupled with the processor, the transmitter configured to send the workflow information to the directed unit.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein: (a) the directed unit is further configured to received the survey data from the survey unit and present the survey data to the driller; and (b) the transmitter of the survey unit is further configured to send the survey data to the directed unit.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein: (a) the system further comprises a monitoring unit communicatively coupled with the survey unit, the monitoring unit configured to receive survey data and workflow information from the survey unit, and present received survey data and workflow information to a user; and (b) the transmitter of the survey unit is further configured to send the survey data and the workflow information to the monitoring unit.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the measurement unit comprises: (a) a first measurement device configured to acquire measurement data comprising the inclination and azimuth of a bottom hole assembly of a drill string; and (b) a second measurement device configured to acquire measurement data comprising the depth and rotary motion of a drill bit of the drill string and the status of a mud pump for providing drilling fluid to drive the drill bit.
 5. The system of claim 4, wherein the first measurement device is a measurement while drilling system.
 6. The system of claim 4, wherein the second measurement device is an electronic data recording system.
 7. The system of claim 4, wherein the survey workflow comprises the following stages: (a) verifying that the depth of the drill bit measured by the second measurement device matches the depth of the drill bit recorded by the driller; (b) turning on the mud pump; (c) pulling the drill bit off of the bottom of the well; (d) waiting for a stabilization period; (e) turning the mud pump off; (I) waiting for a down period; (g) turning on the mud pump; (h) waiting for a synchronization period; and (i) acquiring survey data.
 8. An apparatus for directing a survey of a well, comprising: (a) a receiver configured to receive survey instructions from a directed unit and measurement data from a measurement unit; (b) a processor communicatively coupled with the receiver; (c) a memory communicatively coupled with the processor, the memory having stored thereon: (i) a data structure for storing survey data; and (ii) statements and instructions for execution by the processor to: direct a survey workflow comprising a plurality of stages; determine the completion of at least one of the stages based upon at least one of the measurement data and the survey instructions; provide workflow information; select survey data from the measurement data; and store the survey data in the data structure; and (d) a transmitter communicatively coupled with the processor, the transmitter configured to send the workflow information to the directed unit.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the transmitter is further configured to send the survey data to the directed unit.
 10. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the transmitter is further configured to send the survey data and the workflow information to a monitoring unit.
 11. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the measurement data comprises the inclination and azimuth of a bottom hole assembly of a drill string, the depth and rotary motion of a drill bit of the drill string, and the status of a mud pump for providing drilling fluid to drive the drill bit.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the survey workflow comprises the following stages: (a) verifying that the depth of the drill bit measured by the measurement unit matches the depth of the drill bit recorded by a driller; (b) turning on the mud pump; (c) pulling the drill bit off of the bottom of the well; (d) waiting for a stabilization period; (e) turning the mud pump off; (f) waiting for a down period; (g) turning on the mud pump; (h) waiting for a synchronization period; and (i) acquiring survey data.
 13. A computer readable medium having statements and instructions stored thereon for execution by an apparatus, the apparatus comprising: (a) a receiver configured to receive survey instructions from a directed unit and measurement data from a measurement unit; (b) a processor communicatively coupled with the receiver; (c) a memory communicatively coupled with the processor, the memory having stored thereon a data structure for storing survey data; and (d) a transmitter communicatively coupled with the processor, the transmitter configured to send the workflow information to the directed unit; the statements and instructions for execution by the processor to: direct a survey workflow comprising a plurality of stages; determine the completion of at least one of the stages based upon at least one of the measurement data and the survey instructions; provide workflow information; select survey data from the measurement data; and store the survey data in the data structure.
 14. The computer readable medium of claim 13, wherein the transmitter is further configured to send the survey data to the directed unit.
 15. The computer readable medium of claim 13, wherein the transmitter is further configured to send the survey data and the workflow information to a monitoring unit.
 16. The computer readable medium of claim 13, wherein the measurement data comprises the inclination and azimuth of a bottom hole assembly of a drill string, the depth and rotary motion of a drill bit of the drill string, and the status of a mud pump for providing drilling fluid to drive the drill bit.
 17. The computer readable medium of claim 13, wherein the survey workflow comprises the following stages: (a) verifying that the depth of the drill bit measured by the measurement unit matches the depth of the drill bit recorded by a driller; (b) turning on the mud pump; (c) pulling the drill bit off of the bottom of the well; (d) waiting for a stabilization period; (e) turning the mud pump off; (f) waiting for a down period; (g) turning on the mud pump; (h) waiting for a synchronization period; and (i) acquiring survey data. 